1

Ymca Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

STEAM Instructor I provides excellent customer service to all members, guests, and program ... Understand, articulate, and enforce YMCA policies and procedures in a positive way by giving safety ...

STEAM Instructor I provides excellent customer service to all members, guests, and program ... Understand, articulate, and enforce YMCA policies and procedures in a positive way by giving safety ...

The Group Exercise Instructor I is responsible for providing high-quality instruction and guidance ... Follows YMCA policies and procedures; responds to emergency situations. * Performs other duties as ...

The Barre Instructor supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening ... YMCA COMPETENCIES (Team Leader): Mission Advancement : Models and teaches the Ys values. Ensures a ...

Showing results 41-60

Ymca Instructor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$21

$37

How much do ymca instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for ymca instructor in Chicago, IL is $21.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a YMCA instructor?

YMCA Instructors are professionals who lead classes and programs at YMCA facilities, often focusing on fitness, aquatic activities, youth development, or community education. They are responsible for creating a safe, welcoming environment and ensuring participants have a positive, engaging experience. YMCA Instructors may teach group exercise, swim lessons, youth sports, or enrichment activities, and they often require certifications in first aid, CPR, and their area of instruction. Their role also includes motivating members, ensuring safety, and fostering the YMCA's core values of respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a YMCA instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a YMCA Instructor, you need expertise in fitness instruction, CPR/First Aid certification, and relevant fitness or recreation qualifications. Familiarity with fitness equipment, scheduling software, and group class management systems is typically required. Strong communication, motivational skills, and the ability to adapt to diverse participant needs are valuable soft skills. These competencies ensure safe, engaging, and inclusive programs that support participants' health and wellness goals.

What are some common challenges YMCA instructors face when leading group classes, and how can they overcome them?

YMCA Instructors often encounter challenges such as managing diverse participant skill levels, maintaining engagement, and adapting lessons for varying age groups. To overcome these, instructors should prepare inclusive lesson plans, foster a positive and supportive environment, and utilize flexible teaching methods to accommodate all participants. Effective communication and ongoing professional development also help instructors address group dynamics and ensure safe, enjoyable experiences for everyone involved.

What is the difference between Ymca Instructor vs Lifeguard?

AspectYmca InstructorLifeguard
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, YMCA Instructor CertificationCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification
Work EnvironmentTeaching classes, leading activities, engaging with participantsMonitoring pool, ensuring safety, rescuing swimmers
Job FocusInstruction and program deliverySafety and rescue

Ymca Instructors primarily focus on teaching and leading activities, requiring certifications like CPR and YMCA Instructor Certification. Lifeguards concentrate on pool safety, rescue, and prevention, with certifications like Lifeguard Certification. While both roles require CPR and First Aid, their daily tasks and environments differ significantly. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers find the right position aligned with their skills and interests.

Infographic showing various Ymca Instructor job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 53% Full Time, 42% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,468 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Culinary Instructor I

Crossroads YMCA

Gary, IN • On-site

$11/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Pay starts at $11.00 per hour and up based on experience.

Ready to Cook Up the Next Generation of Culinary Stars? Join the team with no experience needed!

POSITION SUMMARY: This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. STEAM Instructor I provides excellent customer service to all members, guests, and program participants by responding to their needs and creating a welcoming and fun environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  1. Lead event activities in a manner that ensures an elevated level of customer satisfaction.
  2. Create memorable and educational experiences for participants.
  3. Demonstrates a friendly, courteous, and professional manner with volunteers, staff, parents, and participants.
  4. Supervises and participates in activities with all children.
  5. Implements curriculum and activity plans within the established guidelines.
  6. Understand, articulate, and enforce YMCA policies and procedures in a positive way by giving safety briefings and ensuring that all policies are being adhered to.
  7. Maintains required program records and equipment needs.
  8. Improvises quickly and appropriately when faced with unexpected circumstances, to better meet the needs of members and their children.
  9. Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. Minimum age 16 required.
  2. Must be flexible to work evenings and weekends.
  3. Certifications required within 30 days of hire: CPR/AED & First Aid, New Employee Orientation, and online trainings.
  4. Required trainings: Duty to Report and Keeping your YMCA Safe.
  5. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  6. Ability to relate and communicate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
  7. Must have a passion for working with young children.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

The National YMCA Mission:

To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other persons point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work, and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths, and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • Visual, auditory, and verbal ability to communicate effectively.
  • Must have a high level of alertness, concentration, and initiative.
  • Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform job responsibilities.
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs. and stand, walk, or sit for extended periods of time; occasionally stoop/bend.
  • Maintain a neat and professional appearance at all times.
  • Sufficient physical strength and agility to carry out essential duties.
  • Must demonstrate initiative and sound judgment.